International Students

VanArts is pleased with the number of international applicants that choose to receive training through our institute. Currently, over 40% of the student body are international students who contribute greatly to the multi-cultural environment at VanArts.

If your first language is not English, you must demonstrate a proficiency with the English language through a telephone or in-person interview, or through e-mail and your written letter of intent when applying. TOEFL scores are not necessary unless specifically requested.

Accreditations:

VanArts is registered with the PCTIA (Private Career Training Institutions Agency of BC), and has also been awarded an Education Quality Assurance (EQA) standing by the province of British Columbia.

  
International Students (non-USA):

Visa Review Services

VanArts offers expertise for the student visa application and immigration consulting, provided by a Certified Canadian Immigration Consultant. It is highly recommended that you have your student visa application reviewed before it is submitted to the Canadian Consulate for processing, as this will ensure a much higher probability for success. The cost of this review is $300 paid directly to the consultant, and this fee will be credited towards tuition, as long as your visa is approved and you enroll in your chosen program of study at VanArts.

To take advantage of this valuable visa review service, please send a scan of your entire student visa application by e-mail to:

Liz McDonald, Certified Canadian Immigration Consultant
E-Mail: info@LizMcDonaldConsulting.com
Tel: 1-604-970-0075

* please copy (cc:) Janet Cacchioni, Director of Admissions on your message to: janet@vanarts.com

All international students are required to have a Student Authorization/Visa and Study Permit covering their period of study. You must apply for these documents in advance at the Canadian Embassy office designated for your country. If you are not sure where to apply for your visa, click here and search for the specific website for your country’s visa office.

Applying for a visa can take anywhere from 4-6 weeks to 2 months, depending on the country, so plan ahead and apply immediately upon receiving your Acceptance Letter. You must have your student visa and study permit approved no later than 3 weeks before your program starts, or else we may need to defer your enrollment to the next start date, or cancel your application. Please keep us informed as to the status of your visa application processing.

There is a nominal fee ($125) for the Student Authorization/Visa which is paid to Immigration Canada. When you apply for your visa, you MUST have with you for submission:

• A letter of acceptance for your program of study from VanArts.
• Evidence of financial support during your study period, i.e., a notarized letter or affidavit from your bank or parents, or student loan documents.
• Evidence of intentions to return to your country of origin after your studies are complete.
• Prepaid tuition fees and present your receipt or have a certified cheque or bank draft with you payable to VanArts.
• Proof of citizenship, i.e., passport or birth certificate.

Some countries may also require you to have a medical and police check before your visa is approved. Failure to submit all of these documents and evidences may result in your visa being rejected, often with little chance of appeal. Before applying for your visa, please read all details carefully on the official Immigration Canada website.

Are you from India? Please see our dedicated Admissions India page for more information.

  
American Students:

All US students are required to have a Student Authorization/Visa and Study Permit covering their period of study. Students who are citizens of the US can pick up their student visa document from the US/Canada border when they move to Canada. There is NO need to apply for it in advance through the Canadian Embassy.

There is a nominal fee ($125) for the Student Authorization/Visa which is paid to Immigration Canada. When you pick up your visa at the border, you must have with you:

• A letter of acceptance for your program of study from VanArts.
• Evidence of financial support during your study period, i.e., a notarized letter from your bank or parents, or student loan documents.
• Prepaid tuition fees and present your receipt or have a certified cheque or bank draft with you payable to VanArts.
• Proof of citizenship, i.e., passport or birth certificate.